Synthesis, characterization and optical properties of tin oxide nanoclusters prepared from a novel precursor via thermal decomposition route

As a new precursor, bis(2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehydato)tin(II)]; (Sn(HNA)₂]), complex was used in thermal decomposition process for the synthesis of tin oxide (SnO₂) nanoclusters. The steric hindrance of the precursor raises the need of using co-surfactant, therefore oleylamine (C₁₈H₃₇N) was applied as the only surfactant of the reaction. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Also the novel precursor was thermal treated in solid-state reaction in different temperature, 400, 500, and 600 °C. Synthesized tin dioxide nanoclusters with tetragonal phase, have average size of 1.5-4 nm. Finally, optical properties of the products were examined and investigated by photoluminescence spectra.